By Miriam Raftery

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.”
-- Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Editor’s Note: This essay was written  several years ago following my trip to Memphis on the anniversary of King's death, but its message remains as timely now as it was then.

MEMPHIS – The shadow of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. looms large in Memphis, where Martin Luther King was assassinated thirty years ago. But his message transcends time and place, as I was poignantly reminded last year during a visit to the place where King drew his final breath.

Dear Readers,

December 14, 2009 (San Diego) -- Did you know that 200 homeless people a year die on the streets of San Diego? That’s what a counselor who works with the homeless told me at our holiday party last night. Children account for 39% of all homeless people nationally—and families are the fastest growing segment. This holiday season, as most people are opening gifts and enjoying warm meals, nearly 10,000 homeless men, women and children are living on the streets or in their cars, enduring bitter cold, hunger, and hopelessness. Many have lost their jobs and homes in this difficult economy. Fortunately, there are some things that each of us can do to help this holiday season.

Dear Readers,

We're thankful for our wonderful readers, our talented writers, and our generous donors and sponsors.  We're also grateful for the beauty of our backcountry and for the privilege of reporting on our area's many hidden treasures and surprising sights--such as wild turkeys and sectacular fall colors which you may spot if you travel East County's backroads this holiday weekend. We hope this season finds  you in good spirits--and we wish you all a  happy and healthy Thanksgiving!  

--Miriam Raftery, Editor, East County Magazine

An Editorial By Miriam Raftery
Editor, East County Magazine

June 3, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—If California ever needed an action hero at the helm, it’s now. Instead, Arnold has taken the “girlie man” way out –balancing the budget on the backs of the poor by proposing to eliminate healthcare for children and welfare-to-work programs. He also wants to close 80% of state parks, release prisoners, and slash school spending.

Granted, a grid-locked Legislature, Republicans who pale at the words “raise revenues,” Democrats who were split on ballot initiatives and fed-up voters who failed to pass the measures have left him few easy choices. But Arnold has one ace left in the hole: star power. Here’s how he can use it to debut the most important road show of his career: “Save Kaleefornia.”

Dear Readers,
Back in the Dark Ages before Internet and cell phones, chatting over the back fence with neighbors was the cool way to get news  Think of this site as your virtual back fence: a place to share your views with neighbors all over East County!